U.S. Penalty Leads to Elimination in World Cup

America fell 2-1 to Ghana, ending U.S. hopes of advancing in the competition. The game was tied 1-1 until an American defender pushed a Ghanaian player near the penalty area—which triggered a penalty kick that won the game for Ghana.

AP via Sports Illustrated:

There was no glory for the United States at this year’s World Cup, only frustration and failure.

Done in by their own mistakes, the Americans lost to Ghana 2-1 Thursday in a game they had to win to advance past the tournament’s first round.

Cheered on by thousands of boisterous fans bedecked in red, white and blue, the Americans fell flat against an opportunistic team that was stronger and faster. The surprising Black Stars, newcomers to the World Cup, joined Italy from Group E in the knockout phase.

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AP / Anja Niedringhaus

USA’s Oguchi Onyewu, right, and Steve Cherundolo argue with referee Markus Merk after he awarded a penalty to Ghana during the U.S.-versus-Ghana World Cup Group E soccer match at the Franken Stadium in Nuremberg, Germany, Thursday, June 22. Ghana won 2-1.